Known as Endodontics, root canals treat the inside of the tooth. They have a high success rate, and natural teeth can last a very long time with proper care.
Endodontics
Saving your natural teeth
Treatment is necessary when the blood or nerve supply becomes inflamed or infected due to severe decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth (trauma to a tooth may also cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible damage). If left untreated, pulp infection can cause ongoing pain or lead to an abscess. To treat the infection in the root canal, the bacteria needs to be removed.
How does treatment work?
The root canal is cleaned, then filled and sealed. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection, leaving it as good as new, if not slightly better!
Any one of our team of dentists can provide endodontic treatment or refer you to our endodontist for more complex procedures relating to the interior of the tooth.
Do you need root canal treatment?
- an intense, throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse
- redness and swelling in your face
- a tender, discoloured and/or loose tooth
- shiny, red and swollen gums
- extreme sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
- an abscess or lesion on the gum area, similar to a small blister
Benefits of saving your natural teeth
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Maintain your natural smile
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Restore the function of your tooth
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Limit the need for ongoing dental work